Cowboy on My Mind

by R. C. Ryan

  “I hope you all saved room for dessert.” Her cheeks pink from all the praise, Rebecca began cutting slices of her homemade apple pie, topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

  “Mom, this is your recipe,” she announced. “If I wasn’t surrounded by so many good cooks, I’d still be reduced to ordering takeout.”

  While she passed around dessert, Ben circled the table with steaming cups of tea and coffee.

  Later, while Susan and Mary Pat took second cups of tea to the living room to sit by the fire, the men passed around longnecks and joined them.

  From the kitchen came the sound of raucous laughter as Ben, Sam, and Finn, along with Rebecca and Will, did the dishes and cleared the table.

  Curious, Susan walked to the doorway to watch and listen. Hank joined her, and the two of them were amazed at the transformation in their daughter. She was having the time of her life, giving as much teasing as she got, flicking a damp dishtowel at Sam’s backside, ducking when he tried to return the insult. She was even seen flirting shamelessly with Ben, and hiding behind Will when Finn threatened to dump water on her head.

  When they turned, they found Mac standing behind them.

  “Are they always like this?” Hank asked.

  “They are. Except sometimes, when they’re even wilder and louder.”

  Susan shook her head. “Our house is so quiet. Always has been. They make even doing kitchen duty look like a game.”

  “It is. In fact, whenever this bunch gets together, everything they do is fun.”

  Susan put a hand on her husband’s arm. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard Rebecca laugh so much.”

  Hank nodded. “I was thinking the same thing.” As an afterthought he added, “After all we’ve been through, it’s pure music to my ears.”

  The family gathered on Rebecca’s small front porch to say their good-byes as a brilliant red sun disappeared behind the peaks of the distant hills.

  Will and Mary Pat were talking quietly together, and the words faith and counseling could be heard by the others before Will made ready to leave.

  After complimenting her daughter once more on the lovely meal, Susan turned to Ben. Tears shimmered on her lashes. “I’ll never be able to properly thank you for saving my daughter, Ben.”

  Ben shook his head. “There’s no need…”

  Hank cleared his throat, the only sign of his agitation. “At first, when you set aside your gun, I thought you were a damned fool. And I had no trouble telling everyone around me what I thought.”

  Ben held up a hand. “You had a right, Hank.”

  “No.” Hank’s voice lowered with feeling. “I wasn’t thinking straight. All I could think about was punishing the crazy man who was threatening my baby girl. I wanted that thug dead. But now that Susan and I have had time to talk, I see the wisdom of what you did. Rebecca could have been caught in the crossfire. Any number of things could have gone wrong. Instead, with all that cool control, you managed to bring that whole ugly mess to a safe conclusion.” He shook his head in wonder. “Rebecca’s safe. That shooter gets a second chance to fix his life. And all thanks to you.” He stuck out his hand. “Ben, I had it all wrong. And I had you all wrong. You and your family. I was judging you…” He turned to include the others. “All of you, without ever knowing you. I hope you’ll accept my apology.”

  Ben shook his hand.

  One by one the others followed suit.

  Together Susan and Hank began their walk home, calling their good nights as they did.

  Will paused to thank Rebecca and Ben for inviting him to officiate at their wedding. “I can’t think of anything that will make me happier.”

  As he left, Ben’s family piled into trucks for the long drive back to the ranch.

  In the backseat, Finn gave a mock sigh and put an arm around Sam’s shoulders. “You realize it’s the end of an era. Our big brother is officially off the market.”

  “Yeah. You know what that means?” Sam’s lips split into a wide grin. “More women for us, bro.”

  Mackenzie Monroe, at the wheel, squeezed Mary Pat’s hand and laughed along with the others.

  And as the truck ate up the miles to the ranch, he found himself wondering, as he did so often, what his fate would have been if three angry boys hadn’t made a break for freedom and found a haven at his ranch in the middle of a raging blizzard. A blizzard that changed all their lives forever.

  Epilogue

  Autumn in Montana is a fickle woman. Mild, sunny weather one day, followed by frost glistening on the meadows and snow dusting the highlands the next.

  On this day, autumn had decided to play the part of a fairy godmother, with a day balmy enough to make the entire wedding party think it was midsummer.

  Mackenzie Monroe climbed the hill behind his ranch and stepped inside the little wrought-iron fence before pausing by the two headstones. His look was pensive as he ran a calloused hand over the names inscribed on the marble.

  Minutes later he was joined by the rest of his family.

  Zachariah carried a bottle of aged whiskey. Otis and Roscoe carried the crystal tumblers.

  Ben in his shiny new uniform, and Sam and Finn, dressed in white shirts and string ties, their boots polished to a high shine, were laughing easily together as they joined the others.

  As the glasses of whiskey were passed among them, Mac cleared his throat. “I thought it only right that we come here. Those who are no longer with us are never far from my thoughts. And on this day, I know they’re celebrating along with me.” He lifted his glass. His voice was tight with emotion. “To Rachel and Robbie, who will forever hold my heart.”

  The others drank.

  “And to Ben.” Mac’s voice softened. “Who, along with these rascals he calls his brothers, fill my life.”

  “Here’s to us rascals, bro.” Sam, grinning from ear to ear, clinked his glass to Ben’s and Finn’s, before touching it to the others.

  Ben said, “And here’s to Becca. I still can’t believe she would consent to be my wife.”

  “Love’s blind, bro. That’s the only explanation I can think of.” At Sam’s words, the others broke into laughter before tossing back the last of their drinks. With a wink at the others Sam added, “Now let’s go get this done before Becca has time to change her mind and choose me instead.”

  A convoy of trucks moved across a high meadow, where the beginnings of a house had already been laid out.

  The foundation was dug, blocks marking the outlines of a sprawling ranch house that would afford a spectacular view of the countryside below.

  Hank and Susan stepped out of their truck and joined Will, looking proud in his black suit and starched round white collar.

  Mackenzie helped Mary Pat from his truck, and the two of them waited for Zachariah, Otis, and Roscoe, who had been driven by Sam and Finn.

  Ben and Becca arrived together, breaking with tradition. When Ben helped Becca from his truck, Susan had to wipe away tears at the sight that greeted her.

  Becca had asked permission to wear her mother’s wedding gown. But this dress bore little resemblance to that old gown she’d worn in her own wedding. The many petticoats and the lace overlay had been stripped away, leaving a simple column of white silk that fell to Becca’s ankles. The long lace sleeves had been removed, leaving cap sleeves that ruffled in the slight breeze. Instead of a veil, the bride wore a sprig of wildflowers fastened in her hair.

  Ben in his uniform, the shiny badge winking in the sunlight, was tall and handsome, and looking more relaxed than his family could ever remember.

  As the bride and groom approached, Sam gave his oldest brother a fist bump. “I’ve got to say. Marriage looks good on you, bro.”

  Ben gave him a jab to the shoulder. “Maybe you should give it a try.”

  “No thanks. I’ll leave the love stuff to you.”

  Will opened his prayer book. “Are we ready?”

  Ben nodded.

  At the bride and groom’s request, h
is two brothers stood on either side of Mary Pat as their witnesses.

  Will began to read from his prepared text. “Benedict and Rebecca…” With an embarrassed grin he paused before saying to the assembled, “That’s way too formal for this occasion. Ben and Becca, we are gathered here…”

  He stumbled several more times, much to the amusement of the others, before finally saying, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

  He paused long enough that Sam prompted from the sidelines, “Um, what about the kiss?”

  “Oh. Yes. You may kiss your bride, Ben.”

  “About time,” Finn said in a stage whisper as Ben and Becca came together in a warm embrace.

  They moved among their families, hugging and laughing, until Zachariah announced in his most official tones, “The wedding supper awaits us back at the ranch.”

  The convoy of vehicles moved in a slow line down the hill until at last they returned to the ranch, to enjoy slow-simmered roast beef, lobster on the grill, Mary Pat’s oven-roasted potatoes, and Susan’s amazing four-layer strawberry-and-crème wedding cake, as well as many Champagne toasts.

  By the time evening shadows began sliding slowly over the land, Susan and Hank approached their daughter and new son-in-law, who had changed into denims and warm jackets.

  Becca embraced each of them before turning to her mother. “Still sorry we didn’t have a traditional wedding like yours?”

  “Oh, honey, this day couldn’t have been any better. It suited the two of you perfectly.” She laid a hand on her husband’s arm. “And isn’t that what a wedding day should be?”

  He nodded. “It was a good day, Rebecca. I’m proud of the two of you for doing things your way.”

  Ben extended his hand. “Thanks, Hank.”

  Hank accepted his handshake. “My daughter has good taste.”

  When they’d said their good-byes, Ben and Becca embraced all of Ben’s family.

  Zachariah was the first to say, “You haven’t said where the honeymoon will be.”

  Ben shook his head. “That’s right. We haven’t. Nice try, Zachariah.”

  While the others laughed, Ben caught Becca’s hand and led her toward his truck. “The state police will be handling things while we’re away.”

  “When will you be back?”

  “Next week.”

  They left in a cloud of dust.

  Once out of sight of the ranch, Ben circled around and turned the truck toward the high meadow before winking at his bride. “You sure you want to camp out for a full week? The weather could turn at any time.”

  She merely smiled and closed a hand over his. “Not a doubt in my mind, Sheriff Monroe. I have a real weakness for the first snowfall of the season. I hope it happens while we’re in the highlands. I’m sure a big strong lawman like you can find a way to keep me dry and warm.”

  “For the rest of our lives together.” He paused to brush a kiss over her mouth, and enjoyed the wild rush of heat that flared.

  Here was one more sure thing. He was the luckiest man in the world. His wife was smart, and brave, and beautiful. But none of that could compare with the fact that she loved him.

  Love.

  To a man who’d never known such a thing as a boy, this was the greatest gift of all, and he made a vow to treasure this woman, and her love, for a lifetime and beyond.

  Mary Pat’s Beer Pot Roast

  When you’re traveling the county as Mary Pat does for her clients, you need to use whatever is readily available when cooking. If you have no cooking wine, try beer. Ranchers and folks with hearty appetites love it, and you’ll love the flavor.

  3 pounds roast beef (rump roast, round roast, or sirloin tip roast)

  1–2 tablespoons olive oil

  Salt and pepper, to taste

  1–2 cloves garlic

  1–2 onions

  Choice of vegetables: carrots, parsnips, potatoes, celery, mushrooms, peppers

  1 bay leaf

  Salt and pepper

  Can of your favorite beer

  Preheat the oven to 325°F.

  Pat the roast dry before rubbing with olive oil and then sprinkling with salt and pepper.

  Place the roast fat side up in a cast-iron pot or heavy roasting pan, to allow the fat to drip over the meat as it cooks.

  Add the garlic, onions, and vegetables around the meat.

  Pour the beer over all.

  Cover and bake for 3–4 hours, until the meat is tender and almost falling apart.

  Serve with warm rolls.

  About the Author

  New York Times bestselling author R. C. Ryan has written more than ninety novels, both contemporary and historical. Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer.

  In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan. She has also appeared on CNN News and Good Morning America.

  You can learn more about R. C. Ryan—and her alter ego Ruth Ryan Langan—at:

  RyanLangan.com

  Twitter, @RuthRyanLangan

  Facebook.com

  Also by R. C. Ryan

  Montana Legacy

  Montana Destiny

  Montana Glory

  Quinn

  Josh

  Jake

  The Maverick of Copper Creek

  The Rebel of Copper Creek

  The Legacy of Copper Creek

  Matt

  Luke

  A Cowboy’s Christmas Eve (available as an e-novella)

  Reed

  RAVES FOR R. C. RYAN’S NOVELS

  REED

  “4 stars! Ryan’s latest book in her Malloys of Montana series contains a heartwarming plot filled with down-to-earth cowboys and warm, memorable characters. Reed and Ally are engaging and endearing, and their sweet, fiery chemistry heats up the pages, which will leave readers’ hearts melting…A delightful read.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  LUKE

  “Ryan creates vivid characters against the lovingly rendered backdrop of sweeping Montana ranchlands. The passion between Ryan’s protagonists, which they keep discreet, is tender and heartwarming. The plot is drawn in broad strokes, but Ryan expertly brings it to a satisfying conclusion.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  MATT

  “Ryan has created a gripping love story fraught with danger and lust, pain and sweet, sweet triumph.”

  —Library Journal starred review

  “Ryan, aka author Ruth Ryan Langan, takes it to the next level in the first book of her new Malloys of Montana series…Fans know that hot Montana men are Ryan/Langan’s specialty (the McCords series, anyone?), so get cozy in your favorite reading nook and enjoy!”

  —B&N Reads Blog

  “The beguiling first novel in the Malloys of Montana contemporary series from Ryan (a pen name for Ruth Ryan Langan) depicts the lure of the mountains as a Chicago lawyer falls for a handsome rancher…Touching and romantic, Ryan’s portrayal of a city slicker falling for a cowboy delves into the depths of each of their personalities to find common ground in their love for the land. Readers will eagerly anticipate future installments.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “4 stars! With tough, sexy cowboys set against the beautiful, rural landscape of Montana, Ryan’s latest is a must-read.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  THE LEGACY OF COPPER CREEK

  “Solidly written romance. Rich, layered, vulnerable characters in Whit and Cara, coupled with strong chemistry and intense heat between them, proves Ryan does the contemporary Western love story well.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “What a perfect ending to a series…I love this story.”

  —SillyMelody.blogspot.com

  “If you’re looki
ng to lose yourself in a fictional family that will steal your heart and pull you into the thick of things, this is the book for you. Copper Creek is where a wayward soul can find a home and have all their dreams come true.”

  —MommysaBookWhore.com

  THE REBEL OF COPPER CREEK

  “A winner. Ryan writes with a realism that brings readers deep into the world she’s created. The characters all have an authenticity that touches the heart.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “An awesome story.”

  —NightOwlReviews.com

  THE MAVERICK OF COPPER CREEK

  “Ryan’s storytelling is tinged with warmth and down-to-earth grit. Her authentic, distinctive characters will get to the heart of any reader. With a sweet plot infused with family love, a fiery romance, and a bit of mystery, Ryan does not disappoint.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Full of sexy cowboys and a western feel that is undeniable…A well-written fun story that I really enjoyed.”

  —NightOwlReviews.com

  A preview of The Cowboy Next Door follows.

  Chapter One

  Monroe Ranch—Present Day

  Hoo boy.” Ben Monroe, dressed in his crisp sheriff’s uniform, his badge winking in the late-summer sunlight, held his nose as his brother Sam led his roan gelding past him into the barn. “My brother the trail bum. How long have you been up in the hills?”

  Sam began unsaddling his mount. “Three weeks. I know I smell. I’ve been in these clothes for days, and eating dust for miles.”

  “It’s not just the smell. You look like one of those wild mountain men. If your beard gets any thicker, it’ll completely cover your ugly face. Not that that’s a bad thing.”